Edithvale-Seaford Wetland Education Centre

Discover the natural wonders of the Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands – a biodiversity hotspot home to protected bird and plant species – through a tour of our education centre.

Book a tour 

Tour program

Our program is aligned to the Victorian curriculum, and includes:

 

Year 1-2: Our water world 

 

Description

Discover how water travels through the water cycle and recognise how water is used and can be conserved. Explore the Edithvale wetlands and use observations to identify flora and fauna.

Learning outcomes

  • Learn where water comes from and where it goes after we have finished with it
  • Understand the constant cycling of water through the environment
  • Explore the liquid, solid and gaseous forms water can take and where these can occur
  • Explain how water flows through the environment and the formation of wetlands
  • Know that water is a resource and describe how it is used at school and in the home
  • Understand water is an important and limited resource, and consider ways to use it wisely

Student activities

  • Participate in a water cycle demonstration
  • Explore a water catchment with a Stormwater Interactive Model
  • Work in groups to complete a Water Cycle puzzle
  • Explore the wetland and visit the bird hide
  • Undertake a bird identification scavenger hunt

Curriculum links

Science: VCSSU041, VCSSU046, VCSSU047, VCSIS050, VCSIS051

Geography: VCGGK066

Pricing $8.00 per student (Note: there is a minimum booking fee)

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Year 3-4: Wonderful wetlands

Description

Discover the importance of water to the Edithvale Seaford Wetlands, and the role of wetlands in filtering water before it enters our bay. Explore how to protect and manage wetlands sustainably.

Learning outcomes

  • Learn about the natural and urban water cycles
  • Describe the importance of wetland habitats
  • Explain why wetlands need to be protected
  • Learn about the history of Edithvale and how it has been drained
  • Learn how Melbourne Water manages and protects waterways
  • Describe what we can do to help protect wetlands

Student activities

  • Participate in a water cycle demonstration
  • Explore a water catchment with a Stormwater Interactive Model
  • Explore the wetland and visit the bird hide
  • Undertake a bird identification scavenger hunt

Curriculum links

Science: VCSSU057, VCSSU058, VCSSU062

Geography: VCGGK081, VCGGC072

Pricing $8.00 per student (Note: there is a minimum booking fee)

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VCE: Outdoor and Environmental Studies

Description

Discover the Edithvale and Seaford wetlands and develop learn how humans have understood and interacted with wetland environments. Explore the sustainable use and management of Edithvale and Seaford wetlands.

Learning outcomes

Unit 3 & 4

  • Discover the topography and landscape of the wetlands
  • Learn about the history of Edithvale and Seaford wetlands, and how people have interacted with this environment overtime
  • Explore the competing uses and demands of the wetlands - between human needs and conservation
  • Examine the management strategies and the challenges of sustaining the environment into the future - environmental, social and economic
  • Learn about acts or conventions related to the management and sustainability of outdoor environments
  • Explore the Education Centre and learn about green building design

Unit 1 & 2

  • Learn about the environment and landscape of the wetland biomes
  • Learn about the history of Edithvale and Seaford wetlands
  • Discover how people have interacted with this environment overtime
  • Explore the threatened species that inhabit the wetland

Student activities

  • Participate in a presentation about the Edithvale and Seaford wetlands
  • Identify green building design features of the Education Centre
  • Go on a guided tour of the wetlands and make observations on bird life and the environment
  • Complete logbook recordings and observations

Curriculum links

n/a

Pricing $12.00 per student (Note: there is a minimum booking fee)

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VCE: Environmental Science

Description

Explore the Edithvale and Seaford wetlands and develop knowledge and understanding of wetland environments. Discover how the wetlands are managed in response to environmental challenges.

Learning outcomes

Units 3 & 4

Discover the biodiversity of the wetlands and how the area has changed over time

  • Explore the competing uses and demands of the wetlands, including the different stakeholders and their perspectives of the site
  • Examine the management strategies and the challenges of sustaining the biodiversity of the wetlands, including risk assessments
  • Learn about the wetlands Ramsar listing and the requirements of managing the site
  • Find out about Melbourne Water's role in the Environmental Effects Statement (EES) process

Units 1 & 2

  • Understand the major functions of wetlands and how it changes
  • Describe the importance of wetland habitats
  • Learn how Melbourne Water manages and protects waterways
  • Explain why wetlands need to be protected

Student activities

  • Participate in a presentation about the Edithvale and Seaford wetlands
  • Investigate a water catchment with our Stormwater Interactive Model
  • Explore the wetland and visit the bird hide to undertake a bird identification activity

Curriculum links

n/a

Pricing $12.00 per student (Note: there is a minimum booking fee)

Book now

School children look at cards inside the Edithvale-Seaford Wetland Education Centre

 

Pricing for 2024

Please note:

  • Costs vary depending on the type of group and session.
  • Prices are quoted per person and include GST.
  • Cancellations with less than 5 business days’ notice incur a $60 fee.
​Group type Group size Length Cost Min. booking fee​
Years 1-6 ​35-70 2 hrs ​$8.00 $160
VCE ​Up to 35 2 hrs ​$12.00 $180

Note: For larger groups touring the wetlands, we recommend half the students attend the education centre while the others visit nearby attractions or undertake a self-guided wetland walk. The students can then swap for a second session.

Prepare for your visit

Booked your tour of the education centre? Make sure to read the following information and complete our venue and safety form before you arrive.

Safety
Primary school children exit the Edithvale-Seaford Wetland Education Centre

We are committed to the safety of all visitors to our sites. We ask that you strictly follow these safety rules at all times:

  • follow the instructions of centre staff
  • do not climb on or over railings
  • do not run
  • switch off mobile phones during sessions
  • take care when operating interactive displays
  • if visiting outdoor areas of the site, wear:
    • closed-toe, flat-soled shoes
    • a long sleeved top
    • long pants/trousers
    • clothing suitable for weather conditions.

Student supervision and discipline is the school’s responsibility. Teachers and adults accompanying school groups should actively supervise students at all times.

We reserve the right to cancel a booked activity and ask individuals or groups to leave the site immediately if any action or behaviour is unsafe.

Venue and safety form

Download and return a signed copy of the relevant form when you arrive for your tour:

Child safe standards

 We’re committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people, and providing a child-safe environment in line with our Child safe standards policy (49.46 KB, DOCX). All our Education Officers and Interpretation Officers have the relevant legal requirements (Working With Children Check or Victorian Institute of Teaching registration).

    What to bring

    It is important that students bring the following items when they visit the centre:

    • plenty of drinking water, as there is none available on site
    • rubbish-free packed snack or lunch, as there are no bins in the centre
    • a broad-brimmed hat and sunscreen for warm days
    • plenty of warm layers for cool days
    • notepad, pens and pencils for taking notes and drawings.
    How to get there

    The centre is located at 278 Edithvale Road, Chelsea Heights, VIC.
    View our location on Google maps.

    By car or bus

    Aerial view of Edithvale Seaford Wetland and education centre
    Aerial view of the centre (bottom left) on Edithvale Road.

    Via Eastlink: Take the Greens Road exit then turn left at Springvale Road. Drive past Wells Road and through the first roundabout. The education centre is 100 metres down the road on the left.

    Via Nepean Highway: Turn left into Edithvale Road when you reach Edithvale. Drive through the wetlands until you see the education centre on your right. Continue driving further, u-turn at the roundabout and enter the car park, 100 metres on your left.

    By train

    Catch the Frankston line train to Edithvale Station. Walk east down Edithvale Road and you will reach the wetlands. The education centre is located on your right at the east end of the wetlands. Walking time is approximately 15 to 20 minutes. There is also a bus that travels along Edithvale Road.

    Parking

    Parking is available for two buses at a drop-off zone in front of the centre along Edithvale Road, 100 metres from the roundabout and just after the entrance to the car park. Limited parking is available in the car park in front of the centre.

    Nearby attractions

    There are many interesting walking and cycling paths in parks and reserves close to the wetlands. Why not combine your visit to the education centre with another excursion?

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